Overview: Boaz lets Ruth know that he has been inquiring of her and that he wants her to
1. Go in the fields where his servants go
2. Only go and get water where he has directed
3. Know that he told the young men not to harm her
Ruth no longer sees herself as a foreigner. Naomi finds out that Boaz is helping Ruth and she is very excited to hear that
Verses 1-5
Naomi poses the question to Ruth as to whether or not she trusts her enough to help her find a mate. One might ask the question..well why would Naomi do that seeeing as how Ruth has done absolutely everything that Naomi has required and asked without hesitation. Well this is an entirely different level of trust. It's like someone telling you that they have someone for you to meet and you ask how they look and the only answser you get is that they have a nice personality. Oh my goodness...all kinds of red flags and sirens start going off in your head and trust goes out of the door. But Ruth, had a different mindset. She was not caught up in the superficial.....she was caught up in wanting the best and she knew that her mother in law had not failed her yet so why not trust her in this. Now lets pause right here (you know what I am going to say). God wants the same thing out of us. It is so amazing how God has to keep proving himself daily to us as if what He did yesterday does not matter today. What?! How would you feel going to a job and working your butt off day in and day out and no matter what you did the day before, it didn't matter. Everyday you had to go in and prove yourself just like it was the first day of employment. You would be miserable and wonder when you were going to be appreciated. Do you not think that God feels the same way?
Or you keep telling God that you can't trust Him because of the trust issues that you have had with other people. People have let you down and let you down and now God is having to pay for that. His word says that He is not a man that will or can lie. Whatever flows out of His mouth has no choice but to come to pass. He is the same amazing, wonderful, joyous, faithful, and forgiving God yesterday, today, and forever. If you trust Him for the little things, then you must trust Him for everything.....everything!!! He is a God that CANNOT fail...remember that!
Naomi told Ruth that if you do exactly what I tell you to do (which means don't add to, take away from, or argue with me) then your life will be better because Boaz isn't doing all of things just to be doing them. He is interested and is being obedient to the voice of God and the plan of God.
>>>>>Remember that God always has a plan and a setup for us to get blessed beyond what we could know. Read Malachi 3 to see what the promises of God are if we just try Him and obey what He has asked us to do then He will:
1. Stop Satan in his tracks as the word of God tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. This doesn't mean that we will not have hardships or problems. But know that as bad as it may seem, it is not as bad as the enemy wanted it to be. The enemy not only wants to destroy you, but also your seed. Know that Christ is interceding on your behalf and telling the enemy that while he is allowed to ruffle a little feathers, there is a line that he can not and will not cross. God is the ultimate power and authority and there is no one that can over rule or over take Him. Trust and obey Him and He will never fail you or lead you in the wrong direction.
2. Open up the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing that we will not have room enough to receive. Do you know why God said that He will open up the windows instead of the doors? Think about it, a house usually only has the front door and the back door. However, there are windows galore which means there is more for you to receive and to receive quickly. This means that it is always God's plan for us to have abundance...more than enough. Don't let your situation or circumstance tell you anything different. Walk by faith and God can only move as fast as your faith is strong.
3. Nations will call you blessed. God did not say that all the people that like you will be the only ones that speak praises of you. He said that nations, that means everyone (good, bad, and indifferent), will see the blessings that God has given you and all they will be able to say is.."it must have been God!"
If we just follow the plan, these are the things that are in store for us! How amazing and encouraging is that?!
Naomi provided Ruth with detailed steps which are as follows:
1 Go and wash yourself
---we have to be willing to go through a cleansing in order to remove the excess baggage from our past (last year, last week, 5 minutes ago)
2. Anoint Yourself
---fresh anointing of God's spirit. Without it we have no power.
3. Put on your best garment
---Your heart has to be right and you must be fully covered in God's spirit
4. Go down to the threshing floor
---the threshing floor was where the reapers and the owners of land took their grain so that the animals could walk on them and break the husks open in order to get the grain. The grain was then thrown up in the air so that the wind could separate the grain from the chaff. You only went to the threshing floor if you reaped your harvest, which technically makes it 'invitation only'. So the fact that God had instructed Naomi to tell Ruth to go to the threshing floor, that was God's way of telling Ruth that you are about to receive your abundance and reap your harvest. Getting your abundance is a process and it is work. You have to get the ground ready to receive the seed (washing), you have to plant the seed and then tend to it to make sure that it is not overcome by weeds (allow the holy spirit to enter in and being obedient to God's word) and then reaping the harvest. Once the harvest is reaped you have to take it to the threshing floor so that what you have worked for can be unlocked and the blessing received. When the animals walk on the husks they are literally unlocking what is inside so that you can have it which means that God puts people in our lives to help us unlock our abundance and we have to step back and let them do what they do. When we receive the harvest we have to give God praise for all of it.
5. --Do not make yourself known until after. This lets us know that God does everything in decency and in order.
6. --Pay attention to where he lies down, uncover his feet, and lie down. This is God's way of telling us that we need to humble ourselves and keep ourselves humble.
Now Ruth did not argue with Naomi at all. She didn't offer suggestions or changes, she just did exactly what she was asked to do. Ruth told Naomi that she would do everything that she was instructed. We often times question who we know God has placed in our path by seeking consultation from others when God told it plainly through the person He sent. Then we get angry when we mess up and wonder why God continues to allow these things to happen. Are we serious? Are we paying attention? We have to understand that when God answers our prayers He is answering it for today and tomorrow. He is not just passifying the moment, but He is building up our future. We have to accept the fact that even though we may daydream about how we want it to be or end up, God is perfect in all things and whatever or whomever He sends our way is exactly what we need.
Verses 6-13
Ruth does everything to the letter. She does not change anything that Naomi said to her. When Boaz wakes up, he notices a woman (Ruth) and asks who it is. When she makes herself known to him by saying who she is, he blesses her and is excited by her presence. He agrees to do all that she has asked him to do.
>>>This is what obedience to God brings. This blessing didn't come immediately. Ruth had to work, she had to go out by herself among strange people, follow strange customs, but God blessed. God worked through Naomi and Boaz and Ruth's obedience to the both of them opened up the doors to her abundance. Let me encourage you right now. We don't always know the paths that we will go down and the mistakes that we will make. Know that God is for you and not against you. He has you set up for greatness, just follow the plan!!!!
Verses 14-18
Ruth had a teachable spirit. What does that mean? It means she did not think too highly of herself. She was willing to learn and to be taught. She listened and listened well. Persons with teachable spirits know that without God they can do nothing and are nothing. They don't always have the talents to do what God is asking (or so they think), but they follow His instructions to the letter. God uses these people to work miracles. Think about the Noah's and Moses', Mother Theresa's and Ghandi's. Ordinary people being used by God to do extraordinary things. What He did through them, He will do through you if you allow it. It is not what you can do, but what He can do through you.
Now we see that Boaz sent Ruth back home to Naomi with a little something. How wonderful is God! Now some of you probably read those verses and thought nothing of it. However, look at it this way. God is giving her something to tie herself over until she gets her abundance. She knows that there is something special coming her way, although she doesn't know exactly what it is. God allowed her to have this in order to hold her over until she got her abundance. There are times when we are weary from being obedient and we need a little something to hold us over until the blessing comes in order to energize us. God is great and greatly to be praised!!
I pray that you have enjoyed this week's lesson and that it has encouraged your spirit. When you visit this site, please let me know that you were here and let me know how this ministry has blessed you or if there is something you want to see on this site, please let me know. I pray that each of you have a BLESSED THANKSGIVING!!
Blessings and love,
Pastor N. Smith
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
STRAIGHT TALK: Psychic or Prophet---What is the difference?
There are a lot of people that wrestle with these terms and try to validate their usage of either one. The difference between the two is quite simple----the source of their information. The term psychic is not found in the bible. We find the following terms: seer, prophet, and medium. According to the book of I Samuel chapter 9, the seer at that point in time was also a prophet. At that point in time, they were considered religious men and women who received their visions or ability "to see" from God.
Again I stress that at that time, the seers were referred to as prophets and even well into the time of David and Solomon. However, as always, you have counterfeits trying to pretend that they were the real thing and the bible warns us of false prophets (seers). What makes them false? Again, the source of their information. A true prophet has God as their source of all of their information. They say what God wants them to say; no more and no less. Their purpose is to serve as the mouthpiece for God. A false prophet or seer gets their limited vision from satan. Why do I say limited vision? Because that is what satan is operating with. He is not all seeing and all knowing. He can only see and know what God allows him to see and know (limited) and he will then pass that information on to his seer's or what we call psychics.
Why is it that people are drawn to these false seer's or psychics? Because......although the devil works with limited vision he really utilizes all of his resources to lure people in. He allows his psychics to tell us exactly what we want to hear. That keeps folk coming back for more, until they don't even consider talking to God and waiting for THE TRUTH, instead of a version of the truth. People have gotten to the point that they don't want to deal with the truth and they do not want to do what is necessary (by God's standards) to get what they need and to walk into their abundance. We want everything now and fast and most of the time that is what gets us in trouble. God tells us in His word, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."(2 Chronicles 7:14) God gives us the formula for how to get things done and He also tells us "In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4:6)
What does all of that mean? It means that if you are in foolishness or if you have not COMPLETELY---I DIDN'T SAY CONVENIENTLY-- given yourself to Him then you need to because you are His child. He never left you (us), it was our choice to turn our backs on Him. He says that if we do that first (acknowledge our sinful ways through confession and repentance) and then pray to Him and ask Him for His guidance and forgiveness.....THEN He will do what needs to be done. Then He sends out a warning-----don't be too anxious. Be patient and wait on Him and continue seeking His face through consistent prayer. If we are too anxious, we begin to put our $5 worth and start messing things up. This means that it is going to take longer, because now God has to go and undo what we did. We must learn to trust God!!
TRUST HIM...TRUST HIM....TRUST HIM!!!
How is it that we can trust a complete stranger, but will not trust the creator of all things and the controller of all things. It seems to me that we would want to be on the winning team!!!
If you are seeking the advice of a psychic, either on the phone or in person STOP!! There is nothing in God's plan that tells us that we should. He actually forbids the use of magic and sorcerty! You are blocking the very thing that you say you want.
Now in regards to mediums...these are people who call on the dead and conjure up spirits and potions and things like voodoo or roots. They are also referred to as witches or warlocks. There should not be a single believer dealing in any such thing or participating in things like that. I know so many people that call themselves 'playing' with Ouija boards and the like. Do you not know that satan is NOT playing with you and he is always looking for a way in? Do you not know that he is on the clock 24 hours, but somehow we continue to allow our guard to be let down because someone uses the term 'play' or 'joke'. If we put the same time into God as we do avoiding Him......how powerful we would be!!!
God wants us to be and have the best. He wants us to be safe and to have peace in the midst of our situations and circumstances. Life is not always going to be easy and there will be times when you feel like you need a RIGHT NOW answer. Just remember that you have an ON TIME God, that will give you the Right answer at the Right time......TRUST HIM!!
Let me know your thoughts and experiences. You can remain anonymous.
Blessings and love,
Pastor N. Smith
Again I stress that at that time, the seers were referred to as prophets and even well into the time of David and Solomon. However, as always, you have counterfeits trying to pretend that they were the real thing and the bible warns us of false prophets (seers). What makes them false? Again, the source of their information. A true prophet has God as their source of all of their information. They say what God wants them to say; no more and no less. Their purpose is to serve as the mouthpiece for God. A false prophet or seer gets their limited vision from satan. Why do I say limited vision? Because that is what satan is operating with. He is not all seeing and all knowing. He can only see and know what God allows him to see and know (limited) and he will then pass that information on to his seer's or what we call psychics.
Why is it that people are drawn to these false seer's or psychics? Because......although the devil works with limited vision he really utilizes all of his resources to lure people in. He allows his psychics to tell us exactly what we want to hear. That keeps folk coming back for more, until they don't even consider talking to God and waiting for THE TRUTH, instead of a version of the truth. People have gotten to the point that they don't want to deal with the truth and they do not want to do what is necessary (by God's standards) to get what they need and to walk into their abundance. We want everything now and fast and most of the time that is what gets us in trouble. God tells us in His word, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."(2 Chronicles 7:14) God gives us the formula for how to get things done and He also tells us "In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4:6)
What does all of that mean? It means that if you are in foolishness or if you have not COMPLETELY---I DIDN'T SAY CONVENIENTLY-- given yourself to Him then you need to because you are His child. He never left you (us), it was our choice to turn our backs on Him. He says that if we do that first (acknowledge our sinful ways through confession and repentance) and then pray to Him and ask Him for His guidance and forgiveness.....THEN He will do what needs to be done. Then He sends out a warning-----don't be too anxious. Be patient and wait on Him and continue seeking His face through consistent prayer. If we are too anxious, we begin to put our $5 worth and start messing things up. This means that it is going to take longer, because now God has to go and undo what we did. We must learn to trust God!!
TRUST HIM...TRUST HIM....TRUST HIM!!!
How is it that we can trust a complete stranger, but will not trust the creator of all things and the controller of all things. It seems to me that we would want to be on the winning team!!!
If you are seeking the advice of a psychic, either on the phone or in person STOP!! There is nothing in God's plan that tells us that we should. He actually forbids the use of magic and sorcerty! You are blocking the very thing that you say you want.
Now in regards to mediums...these are people who call on the dead and conjure up spirits and potions and things like voodoo or roots. They are also referred to as witches or warlocks. There should not be a single believer dealing in any such thing or participating in things like that. I know so many people that call themselves 'playing' with Ouija boards and the like. Do you not know that satan is NOT playing with you and he is always looking for a way in? Do you not know that he is on the clock 24 hours, but somehow we continue to allow our guard to be let down because someone uses the term 'play' or 'joke'. If we put the same time into God as we do avoiding Him......how powerful we would be!!!
God wants us to be and have the best. He wants us to be safe and to have peace in the midst of our situations and circumstances. Life is not always going to be easy and there will be times when you feel like you need a RIGHT NOW answer. Just remember that you have an ON TIME God, that will give you the Right answer at the Right time......TRUST HIM!!
Let me know your thoughts and experiences. You can remain anonymous.
Blessings and love,
Pastor N. Smith
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
STRAIGHT TALK
THESE QUESTIONS ARE COURTESY OF MY BABIES IN OAKLAND (you know who you are!!)
Question: I understand that we have to have problems in order to know what we can withstand. But why do we have to go through so much to the point where you don't want to live?
Answer: This question has many parts to it, but it is a question that everyone has asked at some point in their life regardless of their age. So here we go......
1. The bible says that God will not put more on us than we can bear (I Cor. 10:13--No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.)
This passage is reminding us that there have been others that have experienced the same pain, disappointment, hurt, confusion, etc that we are experiencing right now. It also reminds us that God is sooo good that He will not allow us to be pushed or tempted beyond what we are capable of handling. It also tells us that even in the temptation, God gives us a way to get out of it so that we don't have to feel the full weight of it. How amazing is that? The catch is, we have to have a relationship with Him in order to see and hear the way of escape. We expect God to come in surround sound. We find out from Elijah that sometimes, God is the still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12). This means that we have to stop our whining and complaining and begin talking to God about what He wants us to see and hear and ask Him to reveal it to us. When we get still and quiet and focus our energy on Him, we find that He has been speaking all the time.
2. Now since the bible already has said that God will not put more on us than we can bear, then how did it get to the point that we could not bear it. Well for one, we tend to put more on us than we can bear because we don't pay attention to all of the red flags and patterns that take place in our lives. We tend to stick to people's promise (who disappoint) versus God's promises. Because we don't trust God the way we should and the relationship with God is not what it could be, our loyalty is to what seems logical and more common sense to the world. But God plainly says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways" (Isaiah 55:8) God is going to do things that is going to bring Him glory. When you find a believer who hasn't had any overtime, has the same amount of bills that they did last month, but they have an extra $100 in their account---that's God.
Now I understand that some people are born into the world's worst family situations that you did not ask for and you feel that you really can't change anything about it. Well, we can't change who our parents are. However, prayer can and will change anything. It comes through being crazy enough to believe that the God we serve can do exceedingly and abundantly above anything that we can ask. See, when we don't believe or when we have doubt (even if for a moment) we literally put the brakes on God. God can only move as fast as our faith is strong. The stronger our faith, the quicker He moves. We have to take our eyes off of our situation. Does that mean ignore it...NO. Because the reality is, we are living it. However, God allows us to see it so that we know what to pray about. He allows us to hear it, so that we know what to pray about. Now I will do something on prayer later, but know that God is showing you exactly what you need to pray against. If we look at Hannah, ( 1 Samuel 1: 1-20) her miracle did not come immediately. She endured ridicule in her own house for many, many years. She was laughed at and made fun of to her face. But a change took place when her faith took over. I want you to read that for yourself and put your name in Hannah's place. Put your prayer request in the place of hers..cry what you need to cry and when youget off of your knees, come up with a renewed faith in God that He not only heard it, but He will answer it according to His will.
3. Now the scripture that we read towards the beginning stated that God will give us a way of escape. The catch is, we have to take it. If we don't move when He says move, then that is on us. It doesn't mean that He will not open another door, it just means the longer you stay in the fire....the deeper your burns will be. First degree burns can be treated with a little butter and ointment. Second degree burns take more and leave scarring. Third degree burns can be fatal. See sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.
If you are to the point that you want to end it, then there is something that you missed. Take a few minutes, by yourself, and talk to God. You have to be like Jacob when he was wrestling with the Angel (see if you can find this one) and Jacob told the Angel that he would not let go until the Angel blessed. You stay on your knees and you pray and you pray and you pray until you get clarity from God. It may take a few minutes or a few hours.....but hold on until you get your blessing!!
Now this is the first of many questions and if you have your own questions or thoughts,please add them to the post and I will research your question according to God's word as well.
Blessings and love,
Pastor Smith
Question: I understand that we have to have problems in order to know what we can withstand. But why do we have to go through so much to the point where you don't want to live?
Answer: This question has many parts to it, but it is a question that everyone has asked at some point in their life regardless of their age. So here we go......
1. The bible says that God will not put more on us than we can bear (I Cor. 10:13--No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.)
This passage is reminding us that there have been others that have experienced the same pain, disappointment, hurt, confusion, etc that we are experiencing right now. It also reminds us that God is sooo good that He will not allow us to be pushed or tempted beyond what we are capable of handling. It also tells us that even in the temptation, God gives us a way to get out of it so that we don't have to feel the full weight of it. How amazing is that? The catch is, we have to have a relationship with Him in order to see and hear the way of escape. We expect God to come in surround sound. We find out from Elijah that sometimes, God is the still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12). This means that we have to stop our whining and complaining and begin talking to God about what He wants us to see and hear and ask Him to reveal it to us. When we get still and quiet and focus our energy on Him, we find that He has been speaking all the time.
2. Now since the bible already has said that God will not put more on us than we can bear, then how did it get to the point that we could not bear it. Well for one, we tend to put more on us than we can bear because we don't pay attention to all of the red flags and patterns that take place in our lives. We tend to stick to people's promise (who disappoint) versus God's promises. Because we don't trust God the way we should and the relationship with God is not what it could be, our loyalty is to what seems logical and more common sense to the world. But God plainly says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways" (Isaiah 55:8) God is going to do things that is going to bring Him glory. When you find a believer who hasn't had any overtime, has the same amount of bills that they did last month, but they have an extra $100 in their account---that's God.
Now I understand that some people are born into the world's worst family situations that you did not ask for and you feel that you really can't change anything about it. Well, we can't change who our parents are. However, prayer can and will change anything. It comes through being crazy enough to believe that the God we serve can do exceedingly and abundantly above anything that we can ask. See, when we don't believe or when we have doubt (even if for a moment) we literally put the brakes on God. God can only move as fast as our faith is strong. The stronger our faith, the quicker He moves. We have to take our eyes off of our situation. Does that mean ignore it...NO. Because the reality is, we are living it. However, God allows us to see it so that we know what to pray about. He allows us to hear it, so that we know what to pray about. Now I will do something on prayer later, but know that God is showing you exactly what you need to pray against. If we look at Hannah, ( 1 Samuel 1: 1-20) her miracle did not come immediately. She endured ridicule in her own house for many, many years. She was laughed at and made fun of to her face. But a change took place when her faith took over. I want you to read that for yourself and put your name in Hannah's place. Put your prayer request in the place of hers..cry what you need to cry and when youget off of your knees, come up with a renewed faith in God that He not only heard it, but He will answer it according to His will.
3. Now the scripture that we read towards the beginning stated that God will give us a way of escape. The catch is, we have to take it. If we don't move when He says move, then that is on us. It doesn't mean that He will not open another door, it just means the longer you stay in the fire....the deeper your burns will be. First degree burns can be treated with a little butter and ointment. Second degree burns take more and leave scarring. Third degree burns can be fatal. See sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.
If you are to the point that you want to end it, then there is something that you missed. Take a few minutes, by yourself, and talk to God. You have to be like Jacob when he was wrestling with the Angel (see if you can find this one) and Jacob told the Angel that he would not let go until the Angel blessed. You stay on your knees and you pray and you pray and you pray until you get clarity from God. It may take a few minutes or a few hours.....but hold on until you get your blessing!!
Now this is the first of many questions and if you have your own questions or thoughts,please add them to the post and I will research your question according to God's word as well.
Blessings and love,
Pastor Smith
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Bible Study--Book of Ruth Ch. 2
Overview:
Naomi's husband Elimelech and her sons Mahlon and Chilion have died. Her daughter in law Orpah left to go back to her people and her other daughter in law Ruth has decided to go with her back to Bethlehem, Judah. Naomi is bitter as she thinks that God is punishing her and they have arrived in Naomi's hometown.
Chapter 2
Verses 1-2
Introduced to Boaz a relative of Naomi's husband. We are told that Ruth wants to go and glean in the fields.
>>>>What is gleaning? It means to pick up or gather what is left behind. When the reapers would gather the harvest they would intentionally leave some behind for the widows and the orphaned based on God's commandement to the children of Israel in the book of Leviticus 23:22
"22 " 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.' "
>>>>Anything that God commands is important and has a purpose. If we look again at the customs of this time period, a widow had it extremely hard because she had no men to take care of her. If she was not or could not be married again she was forced to fend for herself in a culture that looked down on women. Leaving something for the orphan or the poor is easy to understand as well. However, it seems as if we have lost sight of this as we have taken on an every man for himself mentality or we take on the mentality that we are only going to take care of 'our own'. If we are all God's children and we were all bought with a price by the blood of Jesus then we are all members of the same body. It should not be a second thought to help one another, for the bible tells us that if someone is hungry we should feed them and if they are cold we should clothe them. (Matthew 25:31-46) Now I am not saying to give yourself to scammers, but when God tells you to give, whether they have asked for it or not---give it.
Take note of Ruth's continued respect and loyalty to Naomi. She took the time and asked Naomi if she could go and glean in the fields. Now, we know that they both had to be wondering and maybe even talked about how they were going to take care of themselves because Naomi was too old to marry and they did not know if anyone would take Ruth in because she was from Moab. So for Ruth to ask permission, despite her hunger, her worries, or her thoughts says alot about her. If Naomi had said, "No", Ruth would not have gone. That is the type of loyalty she had. How many of us have asked God for something and really wanted and possibly even needed it. But God said, "No" and we did it anyway or we had to think about it for a long time and literally convince ourselves or talk ourselves out of it because we really wanted it. God wants us to have a loyalty of love for him that when He speaks, we trust Him enough to obey.
God's word teaches us the importance of obedience. He tells us in the book of Samuel that ''obedience is better than sacrifice".
>>>>>So lets pause right here, because if we say that we trust God then why is it that we find it so hard to obey Him? The reason is, we only trust Him in certain situations. Now this is not everybody, so don't start talking to the computer saying ''she don't know me, I trust God....." If you are at the point now that you trust God through whatever then that is awesome!! Then what I need for you to do is go back to the time when you didn't, because we didn't come out of the womb speaking in tongues and shouting. It was and is a process for all of us. Think about the times when you immediatley did what He said, the times you had to convince yourself to do what He said, the times you did part of what He said, and then the times you tried to convince yourself that that was the devil because God wouldn't tell you to give up your most prize possession or give up something you worked so hard to get. But if we think about it.....He would as He gave up His only begotten Son for all of us knowing that He would be rejected, knowing that He would suffer, knowing that there would be some that would put out books and movies and blogs and email forwardings and pass laws that go against Him.
>>>>Now there are different levels of trust. You have people that you trust no matter what they tell you to do because you know that they have your best interest in mind. Then you have people that you trust depending on the situation. Then you have people that you trust to do what is right for them. The people in the first category are the ones that we obey regardless of what is going on. The second group, it depends on the situation and the possible outcome. The third group, they might as well be talking to a wall. Which group is God in, because if we say we trust Him, then we should obey Him? If He is not in group one, then I want you to stop and pray this prayer:
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I come before you God as humble as I know how. I ask your forgiveness for not trusting you the way that I should. I know God that if anyone has my best interest at heart it is you. I know God that I don't always understand why you do what you do or the timing of the things you do. But God, despite my worries, my concerns, my hangups, my faults, I am going to do as you have commanded me to do. You were there for Noah, you were there for David, and God I know you will be there for me. I put my hand in your hand and ask that you lead me and help me to understand as we go along the way. I can't see all things, but you can. I trust you God and I love you for loving me. I come against the spirit of fear that is trying to grow in my heart and my mind. Everything I am is because of you, so use me Lord as you see fit and I will be mindful to give you the praise and the glory. In Jesus name I do pray---Amen.
Now He will begin to tell you to do things that you don't usually do. If you are unsure as to whether or not it is Him, just ask Him in your prayer time to let you know and He will.
Verses 3-9
Boaz notices Ruth. He notices that she is not an Israelite and he inquires about her and finds out that she asked permission to come into the fields which told Boaz that she had respect for the customs of a people that he was not a part of and that she had been working extremely hard. This told Boaz that she was not a lazy person and was not looking for handouts.
He then decides to protect her by telling her to glean only in his fields, stay close to his servants, told the young men not to harass or harm her, and told her where to get water when she is thirsty.
>>>>>>When we are obedient and follow God's plan we see that He has already made provisions for us. We just have to be there to receive it. Obedience lead us to blessings. We don't have to search for blessings. We just have to work at being obedient and God will take care of the rest. He tells us in Matthew 6: 33" Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His rightousness and all these things shall be added to thee" Now I am not saying go and be lazy! But there are people who are of the mindset that if they work hard enough, they will get blessed when the word of God clearly says that it is not by works, but by faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) We can't work our way into Heaven, but if we are obedient to God's word we will have our place with Him.
Verses 10-12
Ruth asks a very normal question (paraphrasing)--"Why are you doing all of this and I am not one of you". She wanted to know what his intentions were and why he would decide to help someone whom the Israelites look down upon. Don't we do the same thing? When someone goes out of the way for us, we wonder what they want from us, what are their intentions, are they doing it so that we become indebted to them and every opportunity they get ,they throw it in our faces and tell everyone what they did for us?
Boaz lets Ruth know that he has been watching and inquiring about her because of her loyalty and obedience to Naomi. He had become intrigued by her.
>>>>>But we can not assume that he was the only one that had heard about Ruth or had seen her. So what was different about Boaz? What is different about us? You have some who are talkers, some who ignore what is going on, and those who take action and do something. Now we can't do everything for everyone, but if we have a servants heart then we will hear God when he tells us to move. We have to believe that God had been speaking to Boaz to help Ruth and because of his servants heart, he heard God, and because he trusted God, Boaz obeyed.
Boaz blessed Ruth in verse 12. That blessing was a sign to Ruth of what God had in store for her regardless of whether she was an Israelite or not. When we step out in faith and submit ourselves to God, our past does not matter, our handicaps do not matter, because God can use anyone who wants to be used. He says in His word that when we are weak, He is made stronger. The more we think we are, the less we think we need God. But when we come to the understanding that it is only through God that move, breathe, and have our very existence then we become someone that God can use. Take the time to read Psalm 46 before proceeding. Although this Psalm was written years after this occurrence, you see that we serve a God that is the same yesterday, today, and forever because David spoke of the same thing that Boaz spoke to Ruth.
Verse 13-19
Ruth not only thanks Boaz, but there is a feeling of acceptance as she does no call herself a foreigner, but she refers to herself as his maidservant.
Now through these passages we see that steps are being taken for Ruth to no longer get leftovers. Ruth's loyalty and obedience was being rewarded. We know she got tired and the work was not easy, but she continued to work for herself and for Naomi without complaining.
>>>>How often have we asked for something, God provided it, and sometime after that we start complaining about it? But then we wonder why things are the way they are. Or how often have we asked God to make a way, He does it, and we don't take it? Then we wonder why these opportunities are not coming as often. Ruth had a loyalty love for Naomi and God wants us to have the same from us, not the "I love you when things are okay or when they have that new smell to them" kind of love. I believe that Naomi and Ruth had been asking God to make a way for them and He did and they took it. They did not let anything or anyone stand in the way of their blessing. Do you actually think that the other women wanted Ruth there knowing that she was not one of them? Of course not!! But when we have the mindset of "what God has for me is for me" we don't worry about others. They are not a threat for us. Churches should not be in competition with one another. There are enough souls for everyone. How often have people tried to make you feel bad for what God has blessed you with or have you been one to talk about another person and ridicule their blessing? What they have does not take anything away from what God has in store for you. And if you are one that God has abundantly blessed, don't let people cause you to be ashamed of what you have. You just have to be mindful to give God the praise for what you have and when they ask how did you get that, you simply reply---''nobody but God"!
Verse 20-23
Naomi sees all that Ruth is bringing back and she knows that someone is looking out for Ruth. When Naomi finds out that it is Boaz, she encourages Ruth to do exactly as he says and Ruth does.
This lesson is all about loyalty love and obedience. Please provide your thoughts, questions, and testimonies concerning this lesson or anything else going on in your life. Be blessed!!!
Naomi's husband Elimelech and her sons Mahlon and Chilion have died. Her daughter in law Orpah left to go back to her people and her other daughter in law Ruth has decided to go with her back to Bethlehem, Judah. Naomi is bitter as she thinks that God is punishing her and they have arrived in Naomi's hometown.
Chapter 2
Verses 1-2
Introduced to Boaz a relative of Naomi's husband. We are told that Ruth wants to go and glean in the fields.
>>>>What is gleaning? It means to pick up or gather what is left behind. When the reapers would gather the harvest they would intentionally leave some behind for the widows and the orphaned based on God's commandement to the children of Israel in the book of Leviticus 23:22
"22 " 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.' "
>>>>Anything that God commands is important and has a purpose. If we look again at the customs of this time period, a widow had it extremely hard because she had no men to take care of her. If she was not or could not be married again she was forced to fend for herself in a culture that looked down on women. Leaving something for the orphan or the poor is easy to understand as well. However, it seems as if we have lost sight of this as we have taken on an every man for himself mentality or we take on the mentality that we are only going to take care of 'our own'. If we are all God's children and we were all bought with a price by the blood of Jesus then we are all members of the same body. It should not be a second thought to help one another, for the bible tells us that if someone is hungry we should feed them and if they are cold we should clothe them. (Matthew 25:31-46) Now I am not saying to give yourself to scammers, but when God tells you to give, whether they have asked for it or not---give it.
Take note of Ruth's continued respect and loyalty to Naomi. She took the time and asked Naomi if she could go and glean in the fields. Now, we know that they both had to be wondering and maybe even talked about how they were going to take care of themselves because Naomi was too old to marry and they did not know if anyone would take Ruth in because she was from Moab. So for Ruth to ask permission, despite her hunger, her worries, or her thoughts says alot about her. If Naomi had said, "No", Ruth would not have gone. That is the type of loyalty she had. How many of us have asked God for something and really wanted and possibly even needed it. But God said, "No" and we did it anyway or we had to think about it for a long time and literally convince ourselves or talk ourselves out of it because we really wanted it. God wants us to have a loyalty of love for him that when He speaks, we trust Him enough to obey.
God's word teaches us the importance of obedience. He tells us in the book of Samuel that ''obedience is better than sacrifice".
>>>>>So lets pause right here, because if we say that we trust God then why is it that we find it so hard to obey Him? The reason is, we only trust Him in certain situations. Now this is not everybody, so don't start talking to the computer saying ''she don't know me, I trust God....." If you are at the point now that you trust God through whatever then that is awesome!! Then what I need for you to do is go back to the time when you didn't, because we didn't come out of the womb speaking in tongues and shouting. It was and is a process for all of us. Think about the times when you immediatley did what He said, the times you had to convince yourself to do what He said, the times you did part of what He said, and then the times you tried to convince yourself that that was the devil because God wouldn't tell you to give up your most prize possession or give up something you worked so hard to get. But if we think about it.....He would as He gave up His only begotten Son for all of us knowing that He would be rejected, knowing that He would suffer, knowing that there would be some that would put out books and movies and blogs and email forwardings and pass laws that go against Him.
>>>>Now there are different levels of trust. You have people that you trust no matter what they tell you to do because you know that they have your best interest in mind. Then you have people that you trust depending on the situation. Then you have people that you trust to do what is right for them. The people in the first category are the ones that we obey regardless of what is going on. The second group, it depends on the situation and the possible outcome. The third group, they might as well be talking to a wall. Which group is God in, because if we say we trust Him, then we should obey Him? If He is not in group one, then I want you to stop and pray this prayer:
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I come before you God as humble as I know how. I ask your forgiveness for not trusting you the way that I should. I know God that if anyone has my best interest at heart it is you. I know God that I don't always understand why you do what you do or the timing of the things you do. But God, despite my worries, my concerns, my hangups, my faults, I am going to do as you have commanded me to do. You were there for Noah, you were there for David, and God I know you will be there for me. I put my hand in your hand and ask that you lead me and help me to understand as we go along the way. I can't see all things, but you can. I trust you God and I love you for loving me. I come against the spirit of fear that is trying to grow in my heart and my mind. Everything I am is because of you, so use me Lord as you see fit and I will be mindful to give you the praise and the glory. In Jesus name I do pray---Amen.
Now He will begin to tell you to do things that you don't usually do. If you are unsure as to whether or not it is Him, just ask Him in your prayer time to let you know and He will.
Verses 3-9
Boaz notices Ruth. He notices that she is not an Israelite and he inquires about her and finds out that she asked permission to come into the fields which told Boaz that she had respect for the customs of a people that he was not a part of and that she had been working extremely hard. This told Boaz that she was not a lazy person and was not looking for handouts.
He then decides to protect her by telling her to glean only in his fields, stay close to his servants, told the young men not to harass or harm her, and told her where to get water when she is thirsty.
>>>>>>When we are obedient and follow God's plan we see that He has already made provisions for us. We just have to be there to receive it. Obedience lead us to blessings. We don't have to search for blessings. We just have to work at being obedient and God will take care of the rest. He tells us in Matthew 6: 33" Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His rightousness and all these things shall be added to thee" Now I am not saying go and be lazy! But there are people who are of the mindset that if they work hard enough, they will get blessed when the word of God clearly says that it is not by works, but by faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) We can't work our way into Heaven, but if we are obedient to God's word we will have our place with Him.
Verses 10-12
Ruth asks a very normal question (paraphrasing)--"Why are you doing all of this and I am not one of you". She wanted to know what his intentions were and why he would decide to help someone whom the Israelites look down upon. Don't we do the same thing? When someone goes out of the way for us, we wonder what they want from us, what are their intentions, are they doing it so that we become indebted to them and every opportunity they get ,they throw it in our faces and tell everyone what they did for us?
Boaz lets Ruth know that he has been watching and inquiring about her because of her loyalty and obedience to Naomi. He had become intrigued by her.
>>>>>But we can not assume that he was the only one that had heard about Ruth or had seen her. So what was different about Boaz? What is different about us? You have some who are talkers, some who ignore what is going on, and those who take action and do something. Now we can't do everything for everyone, but if we have a servants heart then we will hear God when he tells us to move. We have to believe that God had been speaking to Boaz to help Ruth and because of his servants heart, he heard God, and because he trusted God, Boaz obeyed.
Boaz blessed Ruth in verse 12. That blessing was a sign to Ruth of what God had in store for her regardless of whether she was an Israelite or not. When we step out in faith and submit ourselves to God, our past does not matter, our handicaps do not matter, because God can use anyone who wants to be used. He says in His word that when we are weak, He is made stronger. The more we think we are, the less we think we need God. But when we come to the understanding that it is only through God that move, breathe, and have our very existence then we become someone that God can use. Take the time to read Psalm 46 before proceeding. Although this Psalm was written years after this occurrence, you see that we serve a God that is the same yesterday, today, and forever because David spoke of the same thing that Boaz spoke to Ruth.
Verse 13-19
Ruth not only thanks Boaz, but there is a feeling of acceptance as she does no call herself a foreigner, but she refers to herself as his maidservant.
Now through these passages we see that steps are being taken for Ruth to no longer get leftovers. Ruth's loyalty and obedience was being rewarded. We know she got tired and the work was not easy, but she continued to work for herself and for Naomi without complaining.
>>>>How often have we asked for something, God provided it, and sometime after that we start complaining about it? But then we wonder why things are the way they are. Or how often have we asked God to make a way, He does it, and we don't take it? Then we wonder why these opportunities are not coming as often. Ruth had a loyalty love for Naomi and God wants us to have the same from us, not the "I love you when things are okay or when they have that new smell to them" kind of love. I believe that Naomi and Ruth had been asking God to make a way for them and He did and they took it. They did not let anything or anyone stand in the way of their blessing. Do you actually think that the other women wanted Ruth there knowing that she was not one of them? Of course not!! But when we have the mindset of "what God has for me is for me" we don't worry about others. They are not a threat for us. Churches should not be in competition with one another. There are enough souls for everyone. How often have people tried to make you feel bad for what God has blessed you with or have you been one to talk about another person and ridicule their blessing? What they have does not take anything away from what God has in store for you. And if you are one that God has abundantly blessed, don't let people cause you to be ashamed of what you have. You just have to be mindful to give God the praise for what you have and when they ask how did you get that, you simply reply---''nobody but God"!
Verse 20-23
Naomi sees all that Ruth is bringing back and she knows that someone is looking out for Ruth. When Naomi finds out that it is Boaz, she encourages Ruth to do exactly as he says and Ruth does.
This lesson is all about loyalty love and obedience. Please provide your thoughts, questions, and testimonies concerning this lesson or anything else going on in your life. Be blessed!!!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Bible Study: Book of Ruth Ch. 1
Background: The book of Ruth is found in the Old Testament, immediately following the book of Judges. Ruth was a Moabite woman who married and was widowed within a short time frame. She made the life changing decision to give up everything she knew in order to
1. Get closer to the living God of her mother in law Naomi
2. Walk into her abundance (God's plan for her life)
The main themes in the book of Ruth are:
1. God drawing all people to Him regardless of past or lineage
2. Loyal love
3. Redemption
In this bible study we will dissect each chapter and bring a deeper revelation to this awesome book. It is about so much more than a woman finding her man. Please post any questions or comments you have.
Chapter 1
Verses 1-5
We are introduced to the following persons: Elimelech, Naomi (wife of Elimelech), Mahlon (son of Naomi and Elimelech), and Chilion (son of Naomi and Elimelech). Elimelech brings his family out of Bethlehem, Judah because of the famine that was in the land. He brought them to the land of Moab.
>>>>What is a famine and what are the purposes of it?
A famine during the bible days was mostly associated with being without food or rain. The land in essence stops producing and the rains are no where in sight. Present day, a famine can take many forms. It could involve a drought in your finances, peace of mind (causing depression and suicidal thoughts), relationships,etc. There were many purposes for famines, but the general purpose was to get the attention of the people. The Israelites were notorious for going back and forth with God and their 'faith', kind of like a see-saw. Sometimes they loved Him, worshippped Him, and were obedient to Him. However, they were not consistent and when things did not go their way or the way they expected it to go they turned their backs on God and often time gave credit to themselves or false idols.
>>>>>>>>>Does this sound familiar? How many times have we said, "I did this or I did that" and never mentioned that it was because of God giving me the skill/talent, idea, or favor. How many times have we jumped out of bed Monday-Friday or even rolled out of bed because we knew we had to get to work so we can pay the bills and eat? But when it came to giving God His time in fellowship with other believers by going to church, going to bible study, going to intercessory prayer, or getting up 15 minutes early so that we can have that personal time with Him, we have mumbled and complained and turned the alarm off. We put Him on the back burner, forgetting that it was and is Him that makes a way for us to go to the job, that wakes us up in the morning, that keeps the enemy away 365/24/7. God is our source...the job is a resource given to us by the source. So when we begin to give credit to other things and pay more attention to other things, then God allows us to see what it is like if we only have those things to depend on and not Him-------FAMINE!
We put so much stock in people and then when they disappoint us, we get all torn up. We think our mate is the be all and end all to everything, but when it is found out that they have been cheating or leading a double life we get angry with God and blame Him for our problems. When all He says to us is, "I still love you. Even though you didn't pray with Me or talk to Me, I still love you. It was during our time that we were suppose to have together that I wanted to tell you and show you what was going on, but since you kept avoiding Me and ignoring Me I didn't have the opportunity to show or tell you. But I still love you and I can make this right for you because I love you!" How powerful is that? Although we are in a famine God will make a way and lead us to a place where we can get what He wanted us to have in the first place. This is what He did for Elimelech and his family. He lead Elimelech to the land of the Moabites, which would probably be the last place that anyone would have gone. Why? (I am glad you asked)
Lets get some background on Moab: Go to Gen. 19:30-37. The Moab people were born out of the incestuous relations of Lot and his daughter. Lot's daughter's got him drunk after escaping from Sodom and Gomorrah and each went in and had sex with him with the intention of producing an heir. One of them did get pregnant and from that we have the Moabites. You can imagine what the Israelites thought of these people, so not only did God bring them to Moab, but Elimelech's two sons married Moabite women. Women who did not worship God, but idols.
Well, Elimelech dies leaving Naomi as a widow and then ten years after being in Moab, her sons die leaving their wives as widows as well. Can you imagine how Naomi felt having to bury her husband and her two sons? Outside of the obvious grief that a mother and wife would have we need to look at the cultural aspect of it all.
>>>>>>>Naomi did not have anymore sons, which meant she had not provider nor any protector. Ruth and Orpah were now widowed, but did not have any children. Which means that there was not anyone to carry on the family line or name. Naomi was in a strange land and had been there for a decade. Would her family welcome her back and take her in? What was she going to do with these two Moabite girls? She can't provide for herself, much less two girls who not Israelites and are not well versed in the Israelite customs.
Verses 6-13
Naomi has decided to go back to her people,because she heard that the famine was over "the Lord had visited His people". This means that God's love provided favor to the still disobedient people and gave them their harvest and their rains back. What an awesome God that is? Despite our small efforts, our hits and misses, and our inconsistencies..He still gives us grace and mercy and will not allow us to receive what we deserve. How often have we spent money on things we did not need, but when it came to give to God's kingdom we made countless excuses. ---"The church is crooked, the pastor already has too much money, what do they do with that money anyway?" or "I got bills to pay and I can't afford this right now!" or "I will do it with my next paycheck" Does any of this sound familiar? Please stop right now and read Malachi 3:8-12. (Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament) When we are not obedient to God's commandment in the giving of tithes and offerings, we are in essence robbing God. He tells us in His word that He will curse us with a curse if we are disobedient. He also gives us the challenge to prove Him wrong "try me in this". He says if you do this, then see if I don't give you things and open doors that you never thought would be open to you? The other side of this is....if you can't trust your pastor or your church enough to be obedient to God then why are you there? (things that make you go hmmmmm)
God is awesome in his loyalty of love and forgiveness to us. Now we touched on earlier why Naomi would not want her daughter's in law to go with her. Now both girls loved Naomi dearly. Please don't think that because Orpah did not go that she did not care about Naomi. She cared deeply for Naomi and that is why she did exactly what Naomi told her to do. But Ruth, was a little more hard headed and although she didn't understand why she was so persistent, I know that it was God giving her that push to not accept what Naomi was saying.
Now let's take a look at verse 13 for a minute. Here we have Naomi and she is expressing how she is feeling on the inside because she feels that God is punishing her. "the hand of the Lord has gone out against me"
>>>>>>>>Why would she think that God is punishing her?
Well who wouldn't? We don't want to be so super holy and religious here. If you had lost your most prized possessions (your spouse and children) and in your mind had no definite place or persons to turn to, wouldn't you wonder if God was punishing you? But I come to challenge your thinking. God does not punish His children in the way that we think of punish. We assume that because we have cancer or homeless, etc that God is punishing us. NO!! God will discipline His children to teach a lesson because He knows what is around the corner and if He does not get our attention quickly, the enemy will devour us. But God also sets us up for greatness. We don't always understand His methods, but He tells us in His word "your thoughts are not My thoughts, and your ways are not My ways". This means, He is not going to do it like we would. Don't ever think that God is punishing you. If He has allowed affliction to come your way, then He has a way for you to get through it, but we have to follow His plan and keep our hands and our methods of doing things out of it. We have to continue to trust Him and remain faithful to Him. He says in His word, "that He has given us power to tread over the lion and the adder" and that power comes from the Holy Ghost. (Now I purposely did not give you those scriptural locations because I want you to use your bible and look them up. We must know God's word for ourselves so that we can not be tricked) If you have gotten angry at God because of things that have happened in your life, I want you to stop right now and pray this prayer:
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I come before you right as humble as I know how. I ask your forgiveness right now God, because I know now that you have a loyal love towards me and it is never your intention to punish me or to get even with me. You sent your son Jesus to die for me because you love me. I love you Lord with everything in me and if you lead me then I will follow. Teach me Lord how to love you and how to let you love me. Enter in God that I may enter into peace. In the name of Jesus, I pray--Amen.
Now just take a minute and let Him minister to you. Cry if you need to cry and don't rush what He is doing. This blog will be here when you get back. If you have to pray the prayer more than one time, then do that.
Verses 14-22
In these verses decisions were made and a covenant was made. Orpah kissed Naomi good bye and went her way back to her people and what she knew. Again, she was being obedient to Naomi. Now, Ruth hugged Naomi and held on to her for dear life. "Ruth clung to her" When Naomi tried again to convince Ruth, Ruth made a powerful covenant with Naomi. It was so powerful that Naomi gave up trying to convince her to go with her sister in law "she stopped speaking to her". Now when they arrived back in Bethlehem, Judah Naomi was greeted with smiles and excitement. But she was still fixed on the fact that God was punishing her and tried to change her name to Mara, which means bitter.
>>>>>>>>>Why do we always try to put a comma where God has put a period?
This means Naomi was trying to take something on that God did not call her or put on her. We add debt onto our plate by buying a house or car that we can't afford and then pray for God to come and bail us out. We stay in abusive relationships and God did not tell you to stay and did not tell you that this person was going to change, but then we expect God to make it right. If we choose to go the opposite of what God has determined for us, we can not expect God to fix it while we are in the mess. That is not fair to God. IF you are an alcoholic or a recovering alcoholic, and you tell me that you are going out with some friends tonight. I don't say anything to you and you go out with your friends. You wind up getting drunk as all get out, but then call me mad because I didn't talk you out of it. Let's push pause right here....you already knew that you shouldn't have gone and you can't blame me because I didn't talk you out of it. At some point, we have to be mature and do what we know we should do or not do. Bitterness was a garment that Naomi chose to put on. God did not have that in store for her or for you, so if you have malice, anger, hatred, bitterness in her heart know that it is not God's will for you to carry that parasite. He has a bigger plan for you if you are willing to let Him do it. Stop right now and pray this prayer:
>>>>>>>Father God, in the name of Jesus, I know that you are aware of all of my problems, struggles, and issues. I refuse to keep telling you about my problems. As of right now, I make the decision to tell my problems about you. That you are a healer, a deliverer, a giver, and a forgiver. I ask right now Lord, that you give me a clean heart and renew the right spirit in me. I want to walk in peace and joy. I don't want any parasites on or in me. Everything you have for me, I want it. Teach me oh God and forgive me now for holding on to these things for so long. Replace the anger with love, bitterness with joy, and hatred with forgiveness. I thank you right now God because I know and have faith that not only did you hear my prayer, but everything I have asked for is already done in the name of Jesus.--Amen
Now understand that the enemy is going to test you on your declaration that you just made. But keep praying and keep believing that God is going to do it and He will. God moves as fast as our faith is strong. This means, the stronger our faith the quicker He moves.
I pray that you have learned alot from this study and please send your questions and your thoughts. Also, if you have some topics that you would like to see posted then please let me know. You can also feel free to give your personal testamonies and you have the option of leaving it anonymous.
1. Get closer to the living God of her mother in law Naomi
2. Walk into her abundance (God's plan for her life)
The main themes in the book of Ruth are:
1. God drawing all people to Him regardless of past or lineage
2. Loyal love
3. Redemption
In this bible study we will dissect each chapter and bring a deeper revelation to this awesome book. It is about so much more than a woman finding her man. Please post any questions or comments you have.
Chapter 1
Verses 1-5
We are introduced to the following persons: Elimelech, Naomi (wife of Elimelech), Mahlon (son of Naomi and Elimelech), and Chilion (son of Naomi and Elimelech). Elimelech brings his family out of Bethlehem, Judah because of the famine that was in the land. He brought them to the land of Moab.
>>>>What is a famine and what are the purposes of it?
A famine during the bible days was mostly associated with being without food or rain. The land in essence stops producing and the rains are no where in sight. Present day, a famine can take many forms. It could involve a drought in your finances, peace of mind (causing depression and suicidal thoughts), relationships,etc. There were many purposes for famines, but the general purpose was to get the attention of the people. The Israelites were notorious for going back and forth with God and their 'faith', kind of like a see-saw. Sometimes they loved Him, worshippped Him, and were obedient to Him. However, they were not consistent and when things did not go their way or the way they expected it to go they turned their backs on God and often time gave credit to themselves or false idols.
>>>>>>>>>Does this sound familiar? How many times have we said, "I did this or I did that" and never mentioned that it was because of God giving me the skill/talent, idea, or favor. How many times have we jumped out of bed Monday-Friday or even rolled out of bed because we knew we had to get to work so we can pay the bills and eat? But when it came to giving God His time in fellowship with other believers by going to church, going to bible study, going to intercessory prayer, or getting up 15 minutes early so that we can have that personal time with Him, we have mumbled and complained and turned the alarm off. We put Him on the back burner, forgetting that it was and is Him that makes a way for us to go to the job, that wakes us up in the morning, that keeps the enemy away 365/24/7. God is our source...the job is a resource given to us by the source. So when we begin to give credit to other things and pay more attention to other things, then God allows us to see what it is like if we only have those things to depend on and not Him-------FAMINE!
We put so much stock in people and then when they disappoint us, we get all torn up. We think our mate is the be all and end all to everything, but when it is found out that they have been cheating or leading a double life we get angry with God and blame Him for our problems. When all He says to us is, "I still love you. Even though you didn't pray with Me or talk to Me, I still love you. It was during our time that we were suppose to have together that I wanted to tell you and show you what was going on, but since you kept avoiding Me and ignoring Me I didn't have the opportunity to show or tell you. But I still love you and I can make this right for you because I love you!" How powerful is that? Although we are in a famine God will make a way and lead us to a place where we can get what He wanted us to have in the first place. This is what He did for Elimelech and his family. He lead Elimelech to the land of the Moabites, which would probably be the last place that anyone would have gone. Why? (I am glad you asked)
Lets get some background on Moab: Go to Gen. 19:30-37. The Moab people were born out of the incestuous relations of Lot and his daughter. Lot's daughter's got him drunk after escaping from Sodom and Gomorrah and each went in and had sex with him with the intention of producing an heir. One of them did get pregnant and from that we have the Moabites. You can imagine what the Israelites thought of these people, so not only did God bring them to Moab, but Elimelech's two sons married Moabite women. Women who did not worship God, but idols.
Well, Elimelech dies leaving Naomi as a widow and then ten years after being in Moab, her sons die leaving their wives as widows as well. Can you imagine how Naomi felt having to bury her husband and her two sons? Outside of the obvious grief that a mother and wife would have we need to look at the cultural aspect of it all.
>>>>>>>Naomi did not have anymore sons, which meant she had not provider nor any protector. Ruth and Orpah were now widowed, but did not have any children. Which means that there was not anyone to carry on the family line or name. Naomi was in a strange land and had been there for a decade. Would her family welcome her back and take her in? What was she going to do with these two Moabite girls? She can't provide for herself, much less two girls who not Israelites and are not well versed in the Israelite customs.
Verses 6-13
Naomi has decided to go back to her people,because she heard that the famine was over "the Lord had visited His people". This means that God's love provided favor to the still disobedient people and gave them their harvest and their rains back. What an awesome God that is? Despite our small efforts, our hits and misses, and our inconsistencies..He still gives us grace and mercy and will not allow us to receive what we deserve. How often have we spent money on things we did not need, but when it came to give to God's kingdom we made countless excuses. ---"The church is crooked, the pastor already has too much money, what do they do with that money anyway?" or "I got bills to pay and I can't afford this right now!" or "I will do it with my next paycheck" Does any of this sound familiar? Please stop right now and read Malachi 3:8-12. (Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament) When we are not obedient to God's commandment in the giving of tithes and offerings, we are in essence robbing God. He tells us in His word that He will curse us with a curse if we are disobedient. He also gives us the challenge to prove Him wrong "try me in this". He says if you do this, then see if I don't give you things and open doors that you never thought would be open to you? The other side of this is....if you can't trust your pastor or your church enough to be obedient to God then why are you there? (things that make you go hmmmmm)
God is awesome in his loyalty of love and forgiveness to us. Now we touched on earlier why Naomi would not want her daughter's in law to go with her. Now both girls loved Naomi dearly. Please don't think that because Orpah did not go that she did not care about Naomi. She cared deeply for Naomi and that is why she did exactly what Naomi told her to do. But Ruth, was a little more hard headed and although she didn't understand why she was so persistent, I know that it was God giving her that push to not accept what Naomi was saying.
Now let's take a look at verse 13 for a minute. Here we have Naomi and she is expressing how she is feeling on the inside because she feels that God is punishing her. "the hand of the Lord has gone out against me"
>>>>>>>>Why would she think that God is punishing her?
Well who wouldn't? We don't want to be so super holy and religious here. If you had lost your most prized possessions (your spouse and children) and in your mind had no definite place or persons to turn to, wouldn't you wonder if God was punishing you? But I come to challenge your thinking. God does not punish His children in the way that we think of punish. We assume that because we have cancer or homeless, etc that God is punishing us. NO!! God will discipline His children to teach a lesson because He knows what is around the corner and if He does not get our attention quickly, the enemy will devour us. But God also sets us up for greatness. We don't always understand His methods, but He tells us in His word "your thoughts are not My thoughts, and your ways are not My ways". This means, He is not going to do it like we would. Don't ever think that God is punishing you. If He has allowed affliction to come your way, then He has a way for you to get through it, but we have to follow His plan and keep our hands and our methods of doing things out of it. We have to continue to trust Him and remain faithful to Him. He says in His word, "that He has given us power to tread over the lion and the adder" and that power comes from the Holy Ghost. (Now I purposely did not give you those scriptural locations because I want you to use your bible and look them up. We must know God's word for ourselves so that we can not be tricked) If you have gotten angry at God because of things that have happened in your life, I want you to stop right now and pray this prayer:
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I come before you right as humble as I know how. I ask your forgiveness right now God, because I know now that you have a loyal love towards me and it is never your intention to punish me or to get even with me. You sent your son Jesus to die for me because you love me. I love you Lord with everything in me and if you lead me then I will follow. Teach me Lord how to love you and how to let you love me. Enter in God that I may enter into peace. In the name of Jesus, I pray--Amen.
Now just take a minute and let Him minister to you. Cry if you need to cry and don't rush what He is doing. This blog will be here when you get back. If you have to pray the prayer more than one time, then do that.
Verses 14-22
In these verses decisions were made and a covenant was made. Orpah kissed Naomi good bye and went her way back to her people and what she knew. Again, she was being obedient to Naomi. Now, Ruth hugged Naomi and held on to her for dear life. "Ruth clung to her" When Naomi tried again to convince Ruth, Ruth made a powerful covenant with Naomi. It was so powerful that Naomi gave up trying to convince her to go with her sister in law "she stopped speaking to her". Now when they arrived back in Bethlehem, Judah Naomi was greeted with smiles and excitement. But she was still fixed on the fact that God was punishing her and tried to change her name to Mara, which means bitter.
>>>>>>>>>Why do we always try to put a comma where God has put a period?
This means Naomi was trying to take something on that God did not call her or put on her. We add debt onto our plate by buying a house or car that we can't afford and then pray for God to come and bail us out. We stay in abusive relationships and God did not tell you to stay and did not tell you that this person was going to change, but then we expect God to make it right. If we choose to go the opposite of what God has determined for us, we can not expect God to fix it while we are in the mess. That is not fair to God. IF you are an alcoholic or a recovering alcoholic, and you tell me that you are going out with some friends tonight. I don't say anything to you and you go out with your friends. You wind up getting drunk as all get out, but then call me mad because I didn't talk you out of it. Let's push pause right here....you already knew that you shouldn't have gone and you can't blame me because I didn't talk you out of it. At some point, we have to be mature and do what we know we should do or not do. Bitterness was a garment that Naomi chose to put on. God did not have that in store for her or for you, so if you have malice, anger, hatred, bitterness in her heart know that it is not God's will for you to carry that parasite. He has a bigger plan for you if you are willing to let Him do it. Stop right now and pray this prayer:
>>>>>>>Father God, in the name of Jesus, I know that you are aware of all of my problems, struggles, and issues. I refuse to keep telling you about my problems. As of right now, I make the decision to tell my problems about you. That you are a healer, a deliverer, a giver, and a forgiver. I ask right now Lord, that you give me a clean heart and renew the right spirit in me. I want to walk in peace and joy. I don't want any parasites on or in me. Everything you have for me, I want it. Teach me oh God and forgive me now for holding on to these things for so long. Replace the anger with love, bitterness with joy, and hatred with forgiveness. I thank you right now God because I know and have faith that not only did you hear my prayer, but everything I have asked for is already done in the name of Jesus.--Amen
Now understand that the enemy is going to test you on your declaration that you just made. But keep praying and keep believing that God is going to do it and He will. God moves as fast as our faith is strong. This means, the stronger our faith the quicker He moves.
I pray that you have learned alot from this study and please send your questions and your thoughts. Also, if you have some topics that you would like to see posted then please let me know. You can also feel free to give your personal testamonies and you have the option of leaving it anonymous.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)